The battle for equal rights in the WNBA might have just gotten transformed into a battle for supremacy! For the past 18 months, the players have been calling for a better payment structure. In return, they have received nothing but disappointment. Following the league’s two failed CBA proposals, the issues of a low salary cap and housing cuts have angered the players greatly.
Now, as the new season is just around the corner, the cloud of uncertainty over the league is looking pretty dark. Unfortunately, according to a recent update from a former MLB executive, the WNBPA might have to compromise significantly to make the CBA deal happen.
Ex-MLB Executive Warns About How The Business Side Might Hinder CBA Deals
The WNBPA is trying its best to make things work. In a recent act of protest, the players’ union posted a sarcastic Valentine’s Day poem. Next, they offered a counterproposal that looked like a compromise. Instead of their 30% revenue-sharing demands, the union has now asked for 27.5% instead.
Reflecting on the matter, ex-Miami Marlins president David Samson hinted that the business side of things might be hindering the CBA deal. He pointed out that the WNBPA’s demands do not fall in line with the business plans of the franchises. And thus, the union should prepare to make more adjustments.
“When the players association wants to say to owners, you’re having expansion fees, relocation fees, you’re getting a one-time signing bonus from your broadcast partners. All of those one-time events are not calculated in terms of the viability of a business. And the more the players want to tell the owners to count relocation fees and expansion fees as part of going forward revenue, the more I guarantee there will not be a deal to be done,” Samson said in an episode of ‘Nothing Personal with David Samson.’
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Surely, these are not very pleasant words for the union. And while they have been fighting for their rights, the league’s ignorance has been evident. Following their in-person meeting with the authorities, Nneka Ogwumike was unhappy to see no deals offered by the WNBA. And now with Samson speaking some harsh facts, here’s a look at how exactly WNBPA’s demands might affect the business.
How Much Money Will WNBA Lose If They Agree To Union’s Demands?
According to ownership’s projections, agreeing to the WNBPA’s proposal would result in an approximate loss of $460 million. And this remains one of the biggest reasons the sides have not yet confirmed a CBA deal.
The league’s framework would also see the salary cap jump to $5.65 million from $1.5 million in 2025. According to a report from ESPN, the total compensation could hover around $1.3 million this year.
Sadly, despite constant effort, it might all come down to what would be more beneficial from a business perspective. And amid this fiasco, there is a good chance things could get really tough for the WNBPA and the athletes.